CBI tells SC it accepts govt suggestions on independence

Says proposed two-yr tenure for CBI chief too short and it should be made a minimum of three yrs

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conveyed to the Supreme Court its broad acceptance of government suggestions on making it independent and free from political interferences.

The CBI in an affidavit filed before the apex court accepted the government suggestion that the appointment of the CBI director should be done by a committee comprising the prime minister, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.

On the suggestion that the CBI director should have experience in investigating corruption cases, the probe agency said the person to be appointed as director should have experience of working in the CBI at supervisory level.

The investigating agency also said the proposed two-year tenure for the CBI director was too short and it should be made a minimum of three years.

The agency has sought financial and administrative powers for its efficient functioning and for insulating it from interference from the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions in its day-to-day functioning.

"A director, CBI, who is independent on ministry for routine administrative and financial approvals is not best placed to take independent and objective decision in current situations," the court observed.

The affidavit will come for consideration by the apex court on Wednesday.